• Pastor Umo Eno
By Itoro Bassey
Three months after its launch, the Akwa Ibom State Government has announced that more than 30,000 residents have enrolled in the State Health Insurance Scheme to ensure seamless access to top-quality healthcare services.
Commissioner for Health, Prof Augustine Umoh, who stated this at the end of a three-day State Executive Council’s ministerial briefing/end-of-year review in Uyo, on Wednesday, revealed that over 5,000 consultations and 20,000 surgeries have been successfully conducted under the scheme.
Additionally, in the year 2024, Prof Umoh disclosed that over 1.4 million children were dewormed, 900,000 children received vaccinations, and more than one million were provided with vitamin A supplements.
He emphasized that his ministry had worked diligently throughout the year to strengthen the primary healthcare delivery system, particularly through the construction of new and innovative model primary health centers.
“This vision was driven by the belief that an efficient rural healthcare delivery is a key component in the Akwa Ibom State’s rural development campaign as captured in the ARISE Agenda”, Umoh said, adding that efforts were being made to revitalize the Ibom Specialist Hospital to offer upgraded services at an elevated standard.
Meanwhile, Governor Umo Eno, in his remark, announced the government’s venture into the oil and gas industry with the establishment of the Ibom Oil Mineral Exploration Company.
Eno highlighted the state’s commitment to seizing opportunities in the sector to position itself as a significant player in Nigeria’s energy sector.
He underscored Akwa Ibom’s advantage in solid minerals, calling for active involvement in that sector to further diversify the state’s economy.
The governor further directed the Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation (AKICORP) to revitalize Peacock Paint by the first quarter of 2025, noting that products from the company would be given preference for state government projects, as part of initiatives to enhance local production and industrial development.
Eno said: “In the new year, starting in February, we plan to visit two federal constituencies each month and hold citizen engagement sessions. We want our people to take ownership of this government and share their concerns and issues with us so that we can serve them better.”
He directed the Commissioner for Internal Security, Gen Koko Essien, to collaborate with the Direct Labour Committee and the Ministry of Health to guarantee the installation of solar-powered lighting systems in all police stations and hospitals in the state.
Also present at the event were the commissioners for Education, Transport, and Women Affairs, Mrs Idongesit Etiebet, Hon. Orman Esin, and Dr. Ini Adiakpan; MD/CEO AKICORP, Pastor Imo-Abasi Jacob, and Chairman of the Akwa Ibom Bulk Purchase Agency, Obong Dan Akpan, among others, who delivered presentations.
